Jaycar Phoenix card reader voltages too high?

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stiffwin

46 posts

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#59352 3-Apr-2010 07:56

I have just constructed a Jaycar Phoenix card reader for my HTPC and would like feedback regarding the test voltages I'm measuring. In the following list the first figure is what Jaycars instructions say the voltage should be, followed by my measurements:

Between pins 7 & 14 on IC2 and IC3 - 5.0 (6.5)
Pin 2 of IC1 - >8.7 (12)
Pin 6 of IC1 - At least -7.8 (-11.5)
Cathode of D3 - >15.6 (22.1)
Cathode of ZD1 - 13 (17.2)

These measurements were taken with jumpers on 3.5795MHZ and Phoenix, switch in, powered by hard drive connector. No mods. Tried installing in 2 different PC's - same results. Are these higher voltages likely to be a problem? (Would prefer not to cook my card). There were 2 brass pins left over when finished which I could find no reference to in the instructions - are they relevant? I have also noticed that voltages are slightly lower when first powered on, rising slightly with time - is this normal?

I'm an electronics novice (1st project) so any advice would be appreciated, including tests I could perform. Is there a blank card test I could try before risking my 45xx card? Can supply photos if required

stiffwin

46 posts

Geek

#315077 5-Apr-2010 19:57

I have followed GW1's troubleshooting guides (from the austech forum) to the best of my ability but no change. Does anyone have any suggestions - I would be happy to pay someone to sort this out - otherwise I might have to start from scratch with a new kit.

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CYaBro

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#315122 5-Apr-2010 21:25

I'm no eletronics expert either and in fact my first build was the same card reader.
Have you checked all resistors to make sure you have those in the right places?

I got one wrong on my first attempt as some of the colours are quite hard to tell apart like red & orange.

stiffwin

46 posts

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#315208 6-Apr-2010 08:40

Thanks for your response Cyabro - Yes i've checked and rechecked all components under high powered magnifying glass

stiffwin

46 posts

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#315349 6-Apr-2010 15:16

Thanks for your response 'Bro - someone from the austech forum pointed me in the right direction. My multimeter reads about 28% too high! Have just purchased a new one and all voltages are spot on. Thanks once again! (should have known my newbie construction skills were blameless!!)

CYaBro

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#315354 6-Apr-2010 15:23

What brand of multimeter was it?
Cheap?

Glad you got it sorted.
I'm stuck on the software side now trying to get DVBLink working in Windows Media Center.
Got everything else working as can view any channel from any tuner fine in DVBLink Server setup. :(

stiffwin

46 posts

Geek

#315689 7-Apr-2010 10:54

It was a Testmate 308 - a cheapie. Good luck with your config - I'm waiting for my sat card to arrive so I can carry on - no doubt I'll be back here before long !